Iga Swiatek Splits with Coach Wim Fissette After Disappointing Start to 2026 Season

Iga Świątek, currently ranked world No. 3 after recently dropping a spot to Elena Rybakina, has had a challenging start to the 2026 season. She failed to advance beyond the quarterfinals in any of the four tournaments played this year. Most recently, she suffered a second-round exit (in her opening match) at the Miami Open, defeated by fellow Pole Magda Linette. This marks the first time in 74 tournaments that Świątek has been eliminated in her very first match.

Following these results, the 24-year-old Polish star has announced her split from coach Wim Fissette. They had been working together since October 2024. During their roughly year-and-a-half partnership, Świątek secured three WTA singles titles, notably claiming her maiden Wimbledon title and her sixth Grand Slam victory overall.

"Miami was a challenge for me. I feel disappointment, bitterness, and responsibility for my performance on the court, of course," Świątek stated. "I've also learned many important lessons, and I think that's very human."

She continued, "That said, after many months of collaboration with my coach Wim Fissette, I've decided to pursue a different path. It was an intense period, full of challenges and many significant experiences. I am grateful to him for his support, his expertise, and everything we achieved together – including one of my biggest dreams in the sport," Świątek explained, alluding to her Wimbledon victory.

In his own statement, Fissette described it as "a beautiful story" to have first met Iga in 2018 after her junior Wimbledon win, only to clinch the senior title together seven years later. However, he conceded that the partnership ultimately "didn't live up to our expectations."

He added, "We both wanted and worked for more, but we shared important moments and lessons. Iga, I now wish you good luck and much success for what's next. I am sure you will achieve it."